Americans Abroad: Gio Reyna returns, Brenden Aaronson injured

Americans abroad did not disappoint this week. With the last round of World Cup qualifiers kicking off on Thursday, USMNT players made sure to bring their best to the pitch in the hopes of catching Gregg Berhalter's attention.

Gio Reyna made his return after suffering a minor injury, while Zack Steffen enjoyed his first start in over a month. Players are getting ready.

This is the latest on American figures abroad...

1. Gio Reyna returns

Gio Reyna is back on the field after his latest injury setback, playing his part in Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw against Koln. 

The player also saw midweek action, coming off the bench to inspire Dortmund to a 1-0 triumph over Mainz at the Opel Arena on Wednesday night. Reyna did not shy away from the action, delivering the game-winning assist for Axel Witsel. 

It was Reyna’s first goal involvement since August and he will be looking to take this form into the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

2. Zack Steffen is back

Zack Steffen has returned from a back injury, making his first start for Manchester City in over a month. 

The goalkeeper made three crucial saves during the 4-1 triumph over Southampton. City led 2-1 before Steffen denied Che Adams from point-blank range, allowing the Citizens to eventually add two additional goals later in the half. 

Steffen had missed the last few weeks due to a back injury, but returned on Sunday and will travel to join the USMNT for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

3. Brenden Aaronson injured

Brenden Aaronson has suffered a knee injury.

The player was removed from Red Bull Salzburg's starting lineup 10 minutes before the Austrian Bundesliga match at Wolfsberger on Sunday, raising concerns that he will not be fit enough to feature for the men’s national team against Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.

Salzburg confirmed it was an issue with his knee and as per Taylor Twellman, it does look like the knock will rule him out of international duty this month.

4. Honorable mentions

Jesse Marsch earned his second win as Leeds United manager, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 at Wolves.
 
Christian Pulisic started in his second consecutive match for Chelsea. 

Ethan Horvath started and made five saves in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool. 

Yunus Musah started in Valencia’s 1-0 win over Elche.